British travellers stuck in South Africa during the lockdown may return home after being “stranded” in the country for weeks. This follows the UK government announcement of a £75-million initiative to fly Britons who are stranded abroad home.
Foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, said on Monday that charter flights would help repatriate Britons from “priority countries”. The government has partnered with British Airways, Easyjet, Jet2 and other airlines to provide planes to bring Britons home.
Speaking to IOL Travel, Nigel Casey, the British High Commissioner to South Africa, said they were “working urgently” to get British travellers home. He said it was unclear when the flights will operate. However, flights will be advertised as soon as it becomes available.
Casey said that 2500 British nationals registered, but believes that there are between 5000 to 7500 British travellers currently in the country. He said most travellers were in the Western Cape.
Casey said the UK government were willing to use the same charter flights to assist South African travellers stranded in the UK to return to South Africa.
“We are working closely with the South African government to ensure that British travellers get home safely. The South African government has offered us tremendous support during this time. Our engagements are ongoing,” he said.
Casey said flight tickets will be advertised and at the cost of the travellers.
The government “won't transport anyone with covid-19 or anyone who shows any symptoms” as they will need to isolate in South Africa before returning home.
British nationals who have not registered should email [email protected]. They will receive an automated reply asking for their details.